Forgetfulness will cost you as a jobseeker. It may be that you will get hung up on the finer details and overlook the common things. Or, perhaps the job hunt will drag on for too long that you drop a few of the basic steps along the way. No matter the circumstances when you forget and skip these important tips and to do's, it limits your opportunities, impacts the impression you give and more. Here are a few of the things to always remember as a job seeker.
Change your resume every time.
You may be hesitant to modify the resume you polished up so nicely, but your best resume is not tailored for every job. Companies have their different cultures, needs and goals. They will look for qualities in their candidates that fit. Your resume should be designed for the position and company using key words and phrases from the job description. Make it possible to pass the tracking system and the quick scanning of the HR representative who will automatically weed out applications that don't fit their bill. Craft your resume to be everything that the company seems to want at one glance.
The job search does not end with submitting an online application.
Be a proactive job seeker. Filling online applications and surfing the net may be a fine way to start, but don't let it end there. Use social media to your advantage. Be on LinkedIn and, like your resume, routinely update your profile to reflect your interests, experience and what you're looking for. Recruiters are on LinkedIn. You will be invisible to them if you are not. Also remember to go offline. Go out and build your network, gather your resources and do hands on research.
Professionalism does not mean you can't be unique.
It's fine to research and adhere to safe and common job seeker tips and guidelines, but don't just stick to textbook routine and answers especially during the interview. Be polished and be sincere. Make yourself memorable and relatable so you won't be another face and name in a pile of candidates. Although, be aware of what you should and shouldn't do to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Your soft skills matter.
While it is beneficial to sell how you can contribute to the bottom line of a company and goal, don't forget to relay the other stuff too. Your small successes and the qualities that impact your worth as an employee matter. Your potential employer will appreciate anecdotes of your work ethic, teamwork and more. Remember you're not only allowed to show off that you can do the work; you'll be teaming up with colleagues and a supervisor who will like to know if you are genuinely interested and whether they can manage you.
Give thanks.
Giving a proper "thank you" can influence your impression. Send a note after the interview and make sure it is both speedy and original. A quality thank you letter can be the decisive factor if you're among the last few competing candidates for a position. At its simplest there are no drawbacks to showing your gratitude. Even if you believe it is just a formality, it is in your better interest to leave a good impression with a note than to leave nothing or worsen your impact with none.
Be specific.
Keep your goal narrow and focused. Do not just settle even if your job hunt has been lengthy. Make sure you are satisfied otherwise you will only end up on the job hunt again. Recruiters and hiring managers will prefer you being genuine and interested in a job than the fact that you are willing to take anything. They want to know that you will be engaged and committed to the work. If you make your goals clear and put forth the effort, you have a better chance at success than spreading yourself thin.
Don't forget to add these tips to your checklist as you wade through the market and continue in your job hunt.